By all accounts, influenza season started early this year, and has brought a spike in cases across Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health’s most-recent report classified flu activity statewide as widespread, as reported cases and flu-related emergency room visits remained higher than normal over the final two weeks of 2012. On Tuesday, the spread caused a hospital in Allentown to open an auxiliary tent outside its ER for flu patients to check in.

The true number of cases locally and across Pennsylvania isn’t computable.

“We’ll never be able to say what we’ve seen in true cases because hospitals are admitting patients who tested positive for flu, and others who have flu symptoms but aren’t tested,” Chester County Health Department Bureau Director Betsy Walls said. “The emergency rooms are being frequented by people complaining of flu-like symptoms, and I’m sure private practices are seeing the same thing.”

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This year, flu season seemingly began a month earlier than usual, which has translated into more cases already this month.

“We really started to see higher numbers in December than we usually see,” Walls said. “It started earlier, and there’s a lot of guessing out there as to why. Mine is that a lot of people were out shopping with sick people for Christmas bargains. Of course, there’s no research that can back that one up.”

With the uptick in cases, private doctors have seen their vaccine supplies dwindle.

“We are hearing from their patients saying their doctor ran out,” Walls said.

The flu vaccine requires two weeks to take effect, and while not an infallible method of prevention, Walls said there are multiple benefits.

“A vaccine doesn’t guarantee that you won’t get it, but if you’re in the small percentage that does get it, you won’t be as sick,” Walls said. “Those that don’t get (the vaccine) are at risk for greater illness.”

Walls classified the health department’s current vaccine supply as “adequate.” Its clinic offers walk-in vaccinations on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

There have been four flu-related deaths statewide so far, none in Chester County. Walls said the old and young are most susceptible, and that preventative measures such as thorough hand-washing and sanitization can limit the spread. Another effective method is not congregating when you feel ill.

“It’s hard because most of us need to go to work, but if you’re sick, stay home,” Walls said. “Your friends and coworkers don’t want it.”